In fall of 2006, North Central College created a seminar for all first-year student-athletes to help ease their transition to North Central College and its athletics program. Originally developed by a number of upper-class students in a Leadership, Ethics and Values (LEV) course, they strived to find a meaningful way to create a community among all student-athletes, hence the original name of the Athletic Unity Council.
Now three years later, the focus remains the same, but we refer to this seminar as “Varsity Course”. Through lecture and small group discussion with their peers and special guests, first-year student-athletes discuss how teamwork, character, drive and discipline will lead to success in the classroom and in athletics competition. Regardless of the sport, we believe that success in academics leads to success in athletics.
Varsity Course General Schedule
| Theme |
Topic |
Speaker |
| Influence |
The Huddle |
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Student-Athlete Mentors |
Teamwork and Integrity
|
Social Responsibilities: Make the Choices that Count
|
Dave Hilderbrand, Private Security Consultant and retired Naperville Police Officer |
| Discipline |
Academic Success Strategies at North Central College |
Sarah Conrad, Assistant to the Athletic Director; Amy Avery, Assistant Dean for Student Success and Jenny Pippen, Assistant Director of Academic Support Services |
Balance
|
Taking Care of Your Body: Eating for Athletic Success
|
Leslie Bonci, Director of Sports Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center |
| Excellence |
Cardinal PRIDE: Homecoming
|
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Student-Athlete Mentors
|
| Character |
Winners in Life |
Al Carius, Head Men's Cross Country and Track and Field Coach |
| Commitment |
Getting Involved in Your Community |
Gary Ireland, Dean of Students; Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Student-Athlete Mentors
|